Sanchez Saddened By Death Of Young Jets Fan

January 6, 2011 2:53 PM

Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets reacts as rain falls during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 11, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (credit: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Related Tags:

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) – Mark Sanchez is leading the New York Jets into the postseason with a heavy heart.

The quarterback learned last week that an 11-year-old fan from Floral Park, N.Y., whom he had befriended, died from a rare form of cancer. Sanchez choked up with emotion as he talked about Aiden Binkley during an interview earlier this week with 1050 ESPN Radio, calling him, “My man, Aiden.”

Binkley was a big Jets fan, and hoped to meet his favorite player, Sanchez, and the rest of the team. The Jets granted his wish last month, giving an excited Binkley a tour of the facility.

Binkley passed away last Thursday, and the Jets held a moment of silence for the young fan before its regular-season finale against Buffalo.